What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy: Bake Cookies

 

Every year, after the ghosts and goblins have returned home and the trick-or-treating bags are dumped out onto the living room floor, parents and candy lovers alike are left with the same delightful dilemma—what to do with leftover Halloween candy?

It’s a delicious problem to have, but one that often leads to either a sugar overload or wasted treats. Instead of tossing it or eating it all straight from the wrapper, why not turn that candy into creative and mouthwatering recipes? Whether you're craving a batch of leftover Halloween candy cookies or looking for fun and practical ideas for leftover Halloween candy, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some of the best ways to transform that candy stash into delicious, shareable desserts like cookie bars, brownies, snack mixes, and more.

Why Repurpose Halloween Candy?

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about why you should consider repurposing your Halloween candy leftovers:

• Reducing Waste: Leftover candy may eventually go stale or bad. Well, incorporating it into fresh neat batches of new goodies surely keeps something in the useful side of waste.
• A Form of Creative Expression: Treat your kitchen like a laboratory, and experiment with combinations of flavors and textures.
• Sharing is Caring: Cookies and bars made from candy are great for school lunches, bake sales, potlucks, or just to treat your coworkers.
• Sweet Gifting: Homemade treats are sweet presents since they're the kind of thing you would want to give without spending extra money on it.

1. Halloween Candy Cookies

And if you're still pondering what to do with leftover Halloween candy, the easiest and most satisfying answer is, of course, cookies. They can be fashioned into something universally loved, and each batch and recipe can offer endless opportunities to customize. 

Basic Leftover Halloween Candy Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• ½ tsp salt 
• 2 cups chopped leftover Halloween candy (chocolate bars, M&Ms, Reese's, Snickers, etc.) 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, and then beat in the vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. 
6. Fold in chopped candy.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before eating (if you can stand to wait that long). 

This leftover Halloween candy cookie recipe uses all those small candy bars and colorful chocolate pieces just about perfectly. You may chop them coarsely or finely depending on how you feel about the texture.

2. Leftover Halloween Candy Cookie Bars

If you’re short on time or just love chewy bars, leftover Halloween candy cookie bars are your best bet. This is the gooier cousin, bigger and thicker, and just as simple!

Ultimate Candy Cookie Cookie Bars:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• ½ tsp salt 
• 2 cups assorted leftover Halloween candy, chopped 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13” baking dish.
2. In a big bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped candy.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bar comes out clean and the top is golden.
8. Let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.

These leftover Halloween candy cookie bars can become anything from Reese's Pieces and Kit Kats to Rolos or Milky Ways. The main requirement is to chop the candy small enough such that it melts evenly throughout the batter.

3. More Leftover Halloween Candy Recipes

These are merely the beginning of what could ensue! Do stay with me while we find even more leftover Halloween candy recipes that may send you out of your socks!

a. Candy Brownies

Jazz up a brownie mix with candy by stirring and pouring into the pan. Candy to die for are Twix, Snickers, and peanut butter cups, which will add a gooey, melty surprise in each bite.

b. Candy Bark

Spread melted white chocolate or milk chocolate out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with chopped candy, and let set. You could also add pretzels, nuts, or crushed cookies for an extra crunchy bite.

c. Halloween Candy Milkshakes

Blend chocolate or vanilla ice cream, a handful of fun-sized candy bars, and a splash of milk, and finish the whole thing with whipped cream and more candy. Ooh-la-la dessert milkshake!

d. Candy Trail Mix

Mix leftover candy together with pretzels, popcorn, nuts, and dried fruit. It's just about perfect for snacking while you watch a movie or work on the road.

e. Candy-Stuffed Pancakes or Waffles

Give your pancakes or waffles the sugary spin by mixing mini M&Ms or crushed candy bars into the batter. Drizzling chocolate syrup doesn't sting either!

Also Read: DIY Hard Candy Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

4. Creative Ideas for Leftover Halloween Candy

Still, attempting to find other things to do with leftover Halloween candy that doesn't require being baked? Check out these non-banking concepts for Halloween candy leftovers: 

a. Great Way to Store for Later

Most candies freeze fairly well. Now is the time to eat and store in an airtight container. Take out small portions during the year to be incorporated into milkshakes, baking, or as toppings for ice cream.

b. DIY Holiday Gifts

Mason jars or clear bags filled with all kinds of candy, tied with a festive ribbon. Holiday gifts in an instant or a party favor with a personal touch!

c. Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Save some colorful Halloween candies for Christmas. Gumdrops, M&Ms, and mini candy bars are perfect decorations for gingerbread houses or holiday cookies.

d. Use in Advent Calendars

Stuff small pieces of leftover candy into reusable Advent calendars for a sweet countdown to Christmas.

e. Candy Science Experiments

Let the kids learn with their candy! Dissolve Skittles in water for colorful science fun, or try melting candy to learn about states of matter.

5. Involve the Kids

Repurposing Halloween candy does not equal serious activity; in fact, it could become a productive family activity! Kids can unwrap candy, mix batter, or decorate cookie bars. Try even throwing a 'candy makeover' party wherein everybody brings in their candy stash to prepare a candy type for sharing!

6. Donation and Giving Back

If there is too much candy left for your family to ever eat (which is usually an after-Halloween dilemma), consider donating the leftovers: 

• Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Local food banks or shelters

Do confirm with the organization if they accept candy donations.
You may like: How to Make Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies in 30 Minutes

Final Thoughts: From Candy Chaos to Cookie Bliss

So, what have we learned? When you’re staring down a mountain of chocolate bars, fruity chews, and colorful coated candies, don’t stress. There are so many fun, creative, and tasty ways to use up those Halloween candy leftovers.

From chewy leftover Halloween candy cookie bars to crunchy leftover Halloween candy cookies, and from milkshakes to brownies, your post-Halloween kitchen can become a sweet sanctuary of invention. Whether you’re baking, gifting, or simply enjoying a creative snack, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to repurposing those goodies.

So the next time you're wondering what to do with leftover Halloween candy, turn to your oven, your freezer, or your imagination—and make something magical.

This content was created by AI